Nadean Brown, Ph.D.

My research group aims to understand the molecular mechanisms regulating the formation of the mammalian lens and retina. We use mouse models to investigate the genetic pathways underlying lens and retinal tissue formation during embryogenesis. This research will contribute to a better understanding of congenital eye diseases and ultimately inform stem cell therapies to correct vision loss. Currently we are focused on understanding: 1) how lens progenitor cells stop dividing and turn into fiber cells, and 2) how retinal progenitor cells choose to become one type of neuron, although multiple fates are available to them.

Paul Knoepfler, Ph.D., Professor, was recently featured on the PBS Nightly News hour, interviewed by Jennifer Doudna, by Gwen Ifil. This interview can be viewed at the following links. PBS NewsHour, YouTube.

Kenneth A. Beck, Ph.D., Lecturer, is a recipient of the Gubernaculum Award from the first year medical school class.

Tom Blankenship, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, is a co-recipient of the Gubernaculum Award from the First Year Med Students.

Richard Tucker, Ph.D., Professor, recently received both the UC Davis Academic Senate Distinguished Teaching Award, and the School of Medicine's Kaiser Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Basic Science to medical students.

Jan Nolta, Ph.D., Director of the UC Davis Stem Cell Program and its Institute for Regenerative Cures along with many other center experts recently received $53 Million in funding for the application of stem cells to the treatment of several different human diseases.

In November 2014, Anna La Torre, Ph.D. joined the department. Dr. La Torre's laboratory is interested in deciphering the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal progenitor competence and differentiation using a combination of cell lines, transgenic mouse models and biochemical approaches.

In November 2014, Sergi Simó, Ph.D. joined the department. Dr. Simó's laboratory is interested in understanding how normal development patterns the CNS and particularly how migrating neurons integrate guidance information by regulating signaling pathways to navigate and successfully reach their final destinations during development.

In August 2014, Li-En Jao, Ph.D. joined the department. Dr. Jao's laboratory is interested in understanding how the centrosome and its related organelles such as the cilium coordinate signals that regulate cell function and influence development.